The Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and Information: The Digital Divide, Addiction, and Bullying
The Digital Divide, Addiction, and Bullying
Digital Divide
Benjamin Company defines Digital divide as the disparities in access to telephones, personal computers, and the internet across certain demographic groups. Different segments have varying levels of access to digital developments due to a number of factors. This can include but are not limited to, race, gender, age, employment, income, location, and religion.
Since the cities hold more promising opportunities, they choose to devote their resources to their digital services in urban areas. Advancements like LTE coverage all fiber optics are available mostly in commercial districts only while small towns in rural areas still struggle with the basic 3G connection.
Addiction
Addiction is defined as an overdependence on something or a damaging need to do something. While it is commonly associated with substances like recreational drugs, the digital age has now ushered an addiction that is gradually raising concerns in industries and society as a whole. This addiction according to the Huffington Post has been linked to poor sleep quality, anxiety, and even depression.
Bullying
Bullying has always been a serious issue, particularly among the youth. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines it as an unwanted, aggressive behaviour among school-aged children that involve a real or perceived power imbalance.
Cyberbullying, or bullying through electronic means, is one of the many problems brought about by advancements in technology. With the existence smartphones, tablets, laptops, and 24/7 access to internet, cyberbullying can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. This may involve exposing embarrassing content about someone or sending messages with the intention of hurting the receiver emotionally or mentally.
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